Chief of Communications / Public Information

Job Description

The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (“BXDA”) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community. By “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants. Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice. By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day.

In furtherance of this mission, the BXDA seeks an experienced and enthusiastic Chief Public Information Officer. The Chief Public Information Officer should have strong knowledge of New York City, the Bronx, the Criminal Justice System, police issues and crime as well as experience as a journalist covering these subjects. The Chief Public Information Officer will use their knowledge and experience to handle media requests and disseminate news of the Bronx District Attorney’s Office to the media and the public as well as handling internal communications for the Office.

Job Responsibilities

Specific duties will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Oversee staff who are tasked with handling media inquiries, arrange interviews, organize press conferences, draft press releases, external newsletters, and internal communications such as memos, newsletters.
• Prepare speeches, testimony, and PowerPoint presentations for the District Attorney.
• Accompany the District Attorney to events, meetings, and external press conferences.
• Advise the District Attorney on communication matters.
• Responsible for overseeing the strategy for communication with the public, the press and other organizations.
• Ensure consistent clear, concise messaging across all modes of communication.
• Respond to inquiries from reporters, press, and the BXDA public website.
• Serve as the Office point of contact and spokesperson for the District Attorney.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Communications/Public Information Unit.
• Mentor and supervise staff.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism.
• Experience working with local outlets and a strong network of press contacts.
• 5 years’ experience in a supervisory role.
• Excellent writing, editing, oral and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to effectively engage in inter/intra agency collaboration and navigate a variety of systems.
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, Adobe, MS Teams, Zoom, and social media.
• Expertise and experience in handling sensitive and controversial issues.
• Must possess a high level of integrity and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
  
  

Work Schedule

Hours / Shift:

Monday - Friday, some nights and weekends.

ADMINISTRATIVE PUBLIC INFORMAT - 10033

Minimum Qualifications

• A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with 24 credits in English, journalism or public relations, plus five (5) years of full-time paid experience in public relations, journalism or advertising, including two (2) years in an administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity; or
• A combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above. Graduate study in English, journalism, or public relations may be substituted for up to one year of required experience. However, all candidates must have at least two (2) years of administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience in public relations, journalism or advertising.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Seven to ten years of experience as a journalist covering crime, the criminal justice system, and police issues in New York City. The preferred years of experience may be combined with experience as a public information officer or in a spokesperson role. - Knowledge of the diversity and complexity of Bronx County. - Strong understanding of the Criminal Justice system, Bronx communities and NYC.
  
  

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

City Residency is not required for this position.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

, $211,632.00 – $211,632.00